Program

Abstract: What makes NACD uniquely qualified to help individuals succeed and how can parents actively participate? NACD was established in 1979. We’re an international organization with many chapters and regions around the United States as well as our international chapters. We work with a full range of individuals—from those in a coma to those who are gifted and talented and anything in between. … Read More

When our son Bill was born we had no idea what an extraordinary journey we were embarking upon. It has been one fraught with times of fear, disappointment, sadness, frustration and many roadblocks. However, the joy, the good times and his amazing success in all of his endeavors have far outweighed the bad. He has opened a whole new world … Read More

On April 19, 1983 we heard these words from a doctor, “I believe your newborn son has Down’s Syndrome. I encourage you to take him home from the hospital, but he probably won’t be able to go to school, run, read or write.” Those words were very sobering concerning our son’s prognosis. They were also words we chose not to … Read More

Beverly G. As of March 2001 NACD has helped my autistic daughter make incredible progress over the past fourteen months. I believe it is nothing short of a miracle. My daughter Celeste was diagnosed as mildly autistic when she was 4 years old, but I had known for some time that she had delays. She was a normal baby, possibly … Read More

By Ann B. Martin, mother of Katherine, UPPED One day at church, a fellow parishioner observed my then 7 year old daughter’s awkward Galt, her flapping hands, and her loud wordless groans. She asked me if I had ever heard of the National Association for Child Development (NACD). This nationwide organization teaches parents how to utilize a multitude of therapies … Read More

by Jenny Marrs When John was born in the fall of 1994, we were devastated with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. We were so scared about what kind of future he would have. Among the tons of literature we were given to help us understand Down syndrome, I found no silver lining, and I only became more fearful. Not only … Read More

My story begins on June 7, 1992, when my husband and I received a call about a baby born in another state with Down Syndrome. On June 8, 1992, at approximately 2 p.m., one of the most beautiful babies I had ever seen was placed in my arms. As I looked into his beautiful blue eyes, I felt he was … Read More

Philip could not speak to be understood until he was four years old. At that point there were only a few words that someone besides myself and his Daddy could understand. We were very concerned. He couldn’t stand noise and began making dull repetitive noises when confusion surrounded him. Lots of pieces to Philip’s puzzle were not on the table. … Read More

In April 1990 we were first introduced to Bob Doman’s program through prayer on our son’s behalf and the referral from some friends. Prior to this our son had been evaluated at age three with intelligence testing; screened for allergy sensitivities at age 7; and participated in vision therapy at age 8. All of these measures were somewhat helpful but … Read More

Luke was diagnosed as hearing impaired at the age of 11 months. At 2 years of age an Auditory Brain Stem Evoked Response (ABR) showed him to have a severe loss in the right ear and a profound loss in the left ear. We went the conventional route with homebound therapy until age 3, then public school early education program. … Read More